How to Treat Diabetes

Treatment of diabetes has improved considerably during the past few decades, especially in terms of self glucose monitoring. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), good glucose control reduces the complications of diabetes by about 60 percent.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cookbooks For Diabetics
• Low-fat Food
• Glucose Monitor
• Medic Alert Bracelet

1. Monitor your blood sugar regularly. Adjustments in diet, medication and exercise can be made accordingly.

2. Stick to the monitoring protocol prescribed by your doctor. Generally, blood is monitored before meals and at bedtime.

3. Utilize blood testing. In the past, urine testing was more common, but blood is more accurate. New and improved ways to test blood are being developed all the time. Check with your doctor, your pharmacist or the company that manufactures your monitoring equipment.

4. Take your medication as prescribed, whether it is insulin or an oral drug.

5. Develop a personal meal plan that you will stick with. Speak with a nutritionist or a diabetic educator and be candid about your food likes and dislikes.

6. Stay on your meal plan. Explore new foods, but keep track of how they affect you.

7. Eat carbohydrates that supply plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals, such as fresh vegetables and fruit. Save sugary foods for special occasions.

8. Lose weight if you are overweight. Losing weight can make a big difference in your treatment plan. Many people are able to eliminate or reduce the amount of medication needed - or avoid needing it in the first place - once they take the weight off.

9. Speak with your doctor if your program doesn't appear to be keeping your blood sugar under control. Modifications may be necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• At this time, the only real cure for diabetes is to have a pancreas transplant. However, this is a procedure that is only done for insulin-dependent diabetics who are suffering from complications. For the majority of diabetics, the condition can only be controlled through medication, diet and exercise.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Resources

• Diabetes Information

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[ladysenior]

on 9/2/2009 The persoon that wrote this article when saying to eat plenty of carbohydrates and fruit, was completly wrong. Don't they know that carbs break down into sugar and that all fruits have natural sugar. What is she trying to do, kill you. I have been a diabetic for 17 years and my suggestion is to go to a qualified dietician at a hospital and they will explain what foods to eat and what foods have natural sugars. They also will explain food exchanges. But do not just rely on what is on the internet.

[i4il]

on 12/15/2008 diabetes is a horrible thing to have to live with

[Melinda]

on 4/26/2007 Does any one feel like not checking our levels

[Melinda]

on 4/26/2007 it sucks been diabetic, we need to get more research on fixing it

on 11/22/2005 Up to 1 teaspoon of cinnammon works to stabilize blood sugar. Take it loose (with added Splenda or Equal) in hot water, or purchase capsules from a health food store. Use 1 gram (1,000 mg) total per day.